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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Is that what sprinkling with holy water is about, then, FS, purification before entering the place of worship?
Yes and no. (How's that for a typical theological answer?) When sprinkling with holy water occurs as part of the entrance rite (salutation, song of praise, collect of the day), it can certainly be understood as a rite of purification before (or at the beginning of) worship. When it occurs later in the liturgy (e.g. during the recitation of the Creed), then it functions as a reminder of baptism and the renewal of baptismal vows. There is yet a third function, at some liturgies, where it is a form of blessing.
And one needs to be careful about saying too much about what a symbol "means" in that really good symbols are loaded with more meaning than can be contained in so small a box.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Of course this made me think about the water of life, whisk(e)y, and I'm reminded of the story of Seamus, who is lying on his deathbed. He calls for Michael, his oldest and dearest friend.
"Michael," wheezed Seamus, "I'm close to breathing me last, but before I go I have a dying wish that I'd like you to fulfil."
Michael, with tears streaming down his face, says, "Seamus, for you my oldest friend, I'll do anything."
Seamus smiled. "I knew I could count on you. Under me pillow is an unopened bottle of Bushmills 16-year old malt. When I'm gone from this world, could you sprinkle it over me grave?
Michael pauses. "Of course I can, Seamus, but would it be all right with you if I filtered it through me kidneys first?"
TEd
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2001
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>>symbolic
Understood. But my take on these things is from a talmudic or halachic pov. For example, I've always assumed that the original baptism would have been an immersion in a mikva, or "ritual bath" (a term I destest), which most natural bodies of water are and, so, also a purification. If a purification from transgression, as oppossed to "tuma" (impurity or "uncleanliness" -- such as one aquires by passing over a grave), then this would be consistent with the salvation, or purification, of rebirth in Christ.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
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Excellent point clearly and carefully expressed!
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Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
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What may or may not be a cave used for baptisms by John the Baptist: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5724143/
Bingley
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